I dread Mondays not only because it is the end of the weekend and beginning of a school week, but because it features the “Bachelor” and MTV’s “Teen Mom.” And just when I think that my week could not get any worse, “Jersey Shore” fist pumps its way to a primetime Thursday night slot and trumps all atrocious reality television shows.

It is troubling to me that our generation finds entertainment in these inexcusable behavior patterns and are emulating their actions after these so called “celebrities.” This type of television is a train wreck at its finest, and I sure won’t be jumping on this train.

Consider how the “Bachelor” has an astounding track record of one marriage out of 17 backstabbing, drama filled seasons. I challenge the avid “Bachelor” watcher to convince me that you are able to find the love of your life while selecting from 25 men while under the skeptical spotlight of America.

More so, this is not free entertainment by any means, nor is it good – but perhaps the farthest thing from having a positive connotation attached to it. A recent article posted in the NY Daily News covered a story which details how New Jersey’s Economic Development Authority approved a whopping $420,000 tax credit for production costs while the Jersey Shore cast fist pumps in Italy.

What better way to spend tax dollars then to pick up the tabs when the “Cabs are here,” pay for Snooki’s darkening skin hue from maximum UVA and UVB exposure or to have clean sheets in the “smoosh” room.

Another reason I contend that reality TV downgrades the intelligence of the average viewer (if that’s possible) is exemplified by MTV’s latest sensation, “Teen Mom,” returning for its third season.
If there was any way to glamorize teen pregnancy, it is depicted by MTV’s “16 and Pregnant” and
“Teen Mom.” Early or teen pregnancy is a serious issue and should be handled in a likewise manner. “Teen Mom” stars earn between $60,000-65,000 per season – the equivalent salary to an architect, pediatric nurse, web developer and property leasing manager. Keep in mind that two of these girls have not completed high school. Who wouldn’t want to get paid to have a child?

It may be a stretch, but it is certainly feasible that catering to an audience with an age range of 12-24 years old could promote early teen pregnancy and contribute to the statistics that indicate an increase in sexual activity. I believe it is fostering the idea in the minds of young girls that becoming pregnant, raising a child and abandoning school, is something that is becoming more accepted in today’s society.

Society needs a reality check that can’t be found from flipping through the TV guide.